Deputy President William Ruto surfaced eating githeri alongside workers at his Sugoi Farm in Uasin Gishu County in a video that went viral on Sunday, July 19.
Wearing gumboots and carrying a walking stick, Ruto was handed a plate of the maize and beans meal by one of the residents in the area.
Ruto caused laughter when he commented that the maize was under-cooked, a situation that the chef blamed on the firewood she used.
As Ruto enjoyed the meal, several other workers lined up with plates to be served even as security officers kept a close eye.
It was not the first time Ruto was being captured mingling and sharing meals with regular citizens, with the perceived humility forming a key part of his political brand.
His allies have premised the 2022 election on the 'Hustler' ideology, touting Ruto's rise from a small-time businessman to the corridors of power.
Videos of Ruto engaging roast maize vendors and enjoying meals at local kibandas (small restaurants) have been used to argue in support of the Hustlers' outfit, which the DP's allies contrast with 'Dynasties' in reference to leaders with roots in power.
Expectedly, the viral githeri video saw Ruto praised for his ability to engage citizens from diverse backgrounds, including his own workers.
He, however, also attracted criticism from a section of Kenyans who accused him of using such engagements as publicity stunts to further his image.
"He can be a very good actor, all this Public Relations will not help him," responded one Robert Onyango.
"DP Ruto is not an alien to challenges common wananchi are facing. He knows where the shoe pinchs," argued Kiprop Dismas.
"You can't even tell him from the other workers, with his gumboots and a stick under his armpit. I just like this man," wrote Jonathan Kamau.
In recent weeks, Ruto has been engaged in a youth empowerment program targeting 5,000 youth across the country.
The programme has seen him donate equipment and tools meant to enable youth to pursue various gainful ventures, from motorbikes to washing machines and Public Address (PA) systems.
Watch the video below:
{"preview_thumbnail":"/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/azR82kVI-2I.jpg?itok=Lr5yiAzI","video_url":"
